Summary

This Error Message Article explains the BACKTRACK error message “Unable to connect to the database: A network-related or instance-specific error occurred…SQL Network Interfaces, error: 26 – Error Locating Server/Instance Specified…” and details how to fix the underlying problem that caused it to appear.

Explanation

There is a communication problem between client workstation (BACKTRACK) and SQL server the system where the data for BACKTRACK is stored.  There are several scenarios that can cause a connection problem including:

1. SQL server is not functioning, not available, or configured incorrectly
2. Window update stopped (and did not restart) a critical SQL service (e.g. the SQL Server instance or SQL Server Browser) and thus us unable to find the SQL instance
3. The network traffic to or from the SQL server is blocked
4. BACKTRACK SQL server settings are incorrect

Solution

The location for the license information can be found on the BACKTRACK server at c:\programdata\Teklynx\BACKTRACK\btwdata.ini

1. Confirm that SQL Server is online
2. Confirm that the the SQL Server Network Configuration has Shared Memory, Named Pipes and TCP/IP Enabled.
3. The firewall at SQL server is correctly set (using standard port)
4. Confirm that the user has appropriate permission for the database

Additional Comments

Issue Found On: Windows 7 and 8 running BACKTRACK 2012

Related Articles:
BACKTRACK client workstation unable to locate SQL database when opening – KBA-01099-R7L5C3

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